The Network Readiness Index was created after surveying 139 countries and, according to the report, Australia – which ranked 18 in 2014 and managed to jumped up two places in 2015 – fell back to 18th spot in digital readiness in 2016.

The affordability of fixed broadband and consistently slow connectivity are the reasons cited for Australia’s slip in global rankings, which now sits behind that of our neighbours across the Tasman Sea.

Globally, Singapore took top spot, followed by Finland and Sweden. Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Japan all ranked within the top 10.

According to the Digital Australia: State of the Nation, The 2017 Edition report released today by professional services group EY Sweeney, “As the world’s 13th largest mixed-market economy, boasting a AAA rating from all three global rating agencies, Australia should be further up the global digital rankings. However, Australia remains caught in the shadow of other advanced nations.”